Since the news broke that the Boston Red Sox are going all-in on Juan Soto, fans have been clamoring for the team to sign the star outfielder.
But no one has advocated for Soto more than Red Sox legend David Ortiz. The Hall of Famer is his neighbor and seemingly Boston's greatest asset in pursuing the former division rival.
On Nov. 21, el Vocero posted an interview of Big Papi layering praise onto Soto. He also gave multiple reasons why he could see Soto signing with the Red Sox.
“I see him on the Red Sox. I’m telling you the truth. I see him there unless something different happens because right now everyone wants him, but even I am doing my due diligence because I would like to have that horse on my team,” Ortiz said in Spanish. “Soto is a phenomenon that everyone wants because he is a full package, and whoever signs him for the next 12 years will be guaranteed a couple of championships.”
David Ortiz could be the key link between the Red Sox and Juan Soto
Ortiz also cited Red Sox skipper Alex Cora as a draw for potential free agents. He referred to Cora as "the best manager in the major leagues," and said he'd turn his career back 15 years to play for Cora himself. Cora speaks Spanish and English, giving Latin players a unique opportunity to forge a relationship they may not get with other managers.
The race to sign Soto will be a competitive one, and plenty of teams have thrown their hat in the ring to be considered by the slugger. Most reports only take big market teams seriously — despite the Red Sox not acting like one of the biggest markets in the league in recent offseasons, they seem to be right in the thick of things with the Yankees and Mets. Ortiz mentioned he's been active in Boston's recruiting efforts for Soto because "that's what Mr. Henry wants," which suggests they're taking this offseason more seriously than they have in a long time.
Soto grew up a Red Sox fan with a particular affinity for the team's three Dominican stars, Ortiz, Pedro Martinez and Manny Ramirez. If his relationship with Ortiz is as good as it seems from his many quotes, Boston could have an advantage over its competitors.
Recent reports from insiders suggest the Red Sox have increased their offer to Soto and doubled down on their efforts to sign him, which could mean one of three things — Boston lowballed Soto with the first offer and had to up the ante to remain in consideration, the Red Sox realized they had a better shot to sign Soto than they did before, or they're being used as leverage. Red Sox Nation and Ortiz should hope for the middle option.